Steve MOODY: An attempt at increasing density and improving access for pedestrian, bicycle and mass transit in Los Angeles via architectural intervention, “LAND” uses logics of aggregation to create piles of units that adapt to different uses, circulation, and scales. The primary form of the aggregation is in leaning piles that create an over/under condition—terraced units create private outdoor space for residences and pedestrian circulation on top, while roads, mass transit, parking and other service spaces are placed underneath.

The project is situated in a square mile area near the intersection of I-405 and I-10 and integrates the planned Exposition rail line. Commercial uses are aligned roughly east-west along Pico Blvd and residential north-south along Westwood Blvd, but traditional zoning is eschewed in favor of a more granular approach where each unit of the aggregation is assigned a use based on local conditions and access. This creates a more adaptive, accessible ‘zoning’ that in turn influences the architectural form.

sP: What or who influenced this project?
SM: Peter Zellner, The Westside Pavillion, Village Green, driving.